Everywhere Present

Christianity in a One-Storey Universe

By: Stephen Freeman

Narrated by: Stephen Freeman

Length: 3 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Have you ever referred to God as the man upstairs?

Most Christians living in a secular society have unwittingly relegated God and all things spiritual to the second storey of the universe: a realm we cannot reach except through death. The effect of this is to banish God, along with the saints and angels, from our everyday lives.

In Everywhere Present, popular blogger and podcaster Fr. Stephen Freeman makes a compelling case for becoming aware of God's living and active presence in every moment of our lives here and now. Learning to practice your Christian faith in a one-storey universe will change your life and make possible the living, intimate relationship with God you've always dreamed of.

©2010 Ancient Faith Publishing (P)2018 Ancient Faith Publishing

Excellent and thought-provoking

I enjoyed this book. The ideas are presented simply, but they pack a heavy intellectual and spiritual punch. I enjoyed that Fr. Stephen presents his book himself here so it is like listening to a much-extended version of his podcast, Glory to God.

A Strong Start but Mostly Forgettable

There is much to like here. I was taken in by the early chapters and quickly grew accustomed to his speaking voice and presentation style. Many moments, notably his journey to a monastery lined with martyrs' skulls, are truly captivating. However, there are issues that prevented me from fully appreciating this first foray into Fr. Freeman's work.

Largely abstract and ruminating, it never really settles into a structure and its themes are covered unsatisfactorily. Though some ideas are repeated endlessly it never quite amounts to a solid thesis. At times I felt lost in the navel-gazing and had a sinking feeling that little of importance was being said. This is not helped by the constant caricature of other communities (especially Protestantism), blaming them for the decline of faith and asserting things about their spirituality and piety that seem to invite a debate. This would all be standard fare and relatively innocuous except he does not often provide arguments for his points, only rather bare assertions.

In defense of holy icons he wisely starts with St. John of Damascus and supplies much food for thought on the Incarnation and its implications. At one point late in the book he unambiguously declares that iconoclasm will lead directly to a secular society, though he gives no clear argument here and seems to ignore the fact that the most iconoclastic faith also tends to be the least secular.

This book is entirely pastoral. While at times captivating, it unfortunately lacks both the scholarship and even the attempt to back up its claims. It is perhaps intended as a purely devotional work; as such I would recommend it to Orthodox Christians and no one else.

good book

solid world view. I found this book to be a refreshing world view. highly recommend.

Enjoyable Listen

Fr. Stephen presents a cogent argument for the necessity to dispel our misguided notions about a two story universe. This was an insightful and quick read.

great book by an excellent author.

Excellent book by Fr. Stephen, well worth your time and money. If you would like to get an idea about what he is talking about you can search his name, and various speaking engagements will be viewable.

Not sure I understand it

Fr Stephen seems to put the old Testament on the level of Greek myth. I don't understand his insistence that God lives all around us and guides our world but can't stop the world for a day. He seems to be upset by what he calls fundamentalists but he seems to be talking about those of us who think scripture is at least literally true as well as symbolic and allegorical.

Incredible

Absolutely loved this book, so articulate and well researched and grounded and inspirational. Thank you, Fr Stephen. Glory to God for all things.

Absolutely essential

This was amazing. I think it reveals heavily secular thinking we adopt and maintain in the west even as we proclaim the faith of Christianity. This book shows you why you must remove the faith/spirituality life and the “real life” artificial wall most have created. Until you do your living something of a lie and may not realize it.

Every Orthodox needs to read this book!

This book is a must for all Orthodox Christians. So many Orthodox live in a two-story universe. This is not an Orthodox viewpoint, and Fr. Stephen helps us understand why. Excellent book!

Wonderful book and presentation!

Two storey review

I really enjoyed this audiobook! Father Stephen speaks both intelligently and simply, drawing us a vivid picture of a two-storey universe, and how it’s different from what the ideal one-storey universe is. He packs a lot into three hours, and yet I didn’t feel overwhelmed. In addition to his own thoughts and musings, he includes quotes and wisdom from church fathers, other authors, and the scriptures. (I might even have to purchase the paper version just so I can highlight parts that stuck out to me!)

As a convert to the Eastern Orthodox faith, I really appreciated the point of view the author brought, as a convert himself. It was interesting to see where God was placed in precious churches I’ve attended, as well as where I have placed Him myself without even realizing it - for better or worse in both cases.

I think this book would be a good read/listen for anybody, no matter where they are in their spiritual journey and no matter their church affiliation.

On the technical side, I appreciated that there was no background music, and Father Stephen’s reading is clean with good enunciation. Plus, it’s always fun when the author reads the book himself!